BABYLON? A Comprehensive Examination from Genesis to Revelation

THE MYSTERY OF BABYLON

Revelation 17:5

“and on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, ‘BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.’”

THE QUESTION: What is this “mystery” Babylon that we are called to leave?

THE METHOD: Let Scripture interpret Scripture - examining every mention of Babylon from Genesis to Revelation, allowing the prophets to define what Babylon represents, and letting God’s Word reveal what it means to “come out.”

PART 1: THE ORIGINS OF BABYLON

CAIN - The First Rebellion and Self-Built System

Genesis 4:8-17

“Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him… Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD… and he built a city… And to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael became the father of Methushael, and Methushael became the father of Lamech. Lamech took to himself two wives…”

CHARACTERISTICS OF CAIN’S SYSTEM:

Rejection of God’s way - offered wrong sacrifice (Genesis 4:3-5)

Murder - killed his brother (v. 8)

Went out from God’s presence - left willingly (v. 16)

Built his own city - human system without God (v. 17)

Established ungodly culture - polygamy, violence (v. 19-24)

Jude 11

“Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.”

THE WAY OF CAIN:

- Self-righteousness (wrong sacrifice)
- Independence from God
- Building human systems
- Violence and murder
- Ungodly culture

2. NIMROD and BABEL - The First World Government

Genesis 10:8-12

“Now Cush became the father of Nimrod; he became a mighty one on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; therefore it is said, ‘Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD.’ The beginning of his kingdom was Babel and Erech and Accad and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. From that land he went forth into Assyria, and built Nineveh…”

NOTE: “Before the LORD” can mean “in place of the LORD” or “in opposition to the LORD”

Genesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel

“Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words… They said, ‘Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.’ The LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. The LORD said, ‘Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.’ So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth; and they stopped building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth”

CHARACTERISTICS OF BABEL/BABYLON:

Unity WITHOUT God - “one people” in rebellion (v. 6)

Self-glorification - “make for ourselves a NAME” (v. 4)

Human achievement - “tower reaching to heaven” by human effort (v. 4)

Resistance to God’s will - opposing scattering, wanting to stay together (v. 4)

Pride and independence - “nothing will be impossible for them” (v. 6)

Confusion - Babel means “confusion” (v. 9)

Divine judgment - God personally intervened to stop it (v. 7-8)

CRITICAL INSIGHT:

- Nimrod was the founder
- Babel was his CAPITAL
- This became BABYLON
- Satan’s counterfeit system from the beginning

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PART 2: BABYLON IN THE PROPHETS

ISAIAH’S PROPHECIES AGAINST BABYLON

Isaiah 13-14 - The Judgment of Babylon

Isaiah 13:1, 9, 11, 19

“The oracle concerning Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw… Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, Cruel, with fury and burning anger… Thus I will punish the world for its evil And the wicked for their iniquity; I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud And abase the haughtiness of the ruthless… And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.”

Isaiah 14:4-15 - The King of Babylon (Satan)

“That you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon, and say, ‘How the oppressor has ceased, And how fury has ceased!’… ‘How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! But you said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God… I will make myself like the Most High.” Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, To the recesses of the pit.’”

BABYLON’S CHARACTERISTICS (Isaiah):

Oppression (14:4)

Pride and arrogance (13:11; 14:13-14)

Satanic origin - the king of Babylon is Satan himself (14:12-15)

Weakens nations (14:12)

Wants to be like God (14:14)

Will be destroyed like Sodom (13:19)

Receives God’s fury (13:9, 13)

Isaiah 21:9

“Now, behold, here comes a troop of riders, horsemen in pairs. And one said, ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon; And all the images of her gods are shattered on the ground.’”

Isaiah 47:1, 5, 7-9, 11

“Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon… Sit silently, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans, For you will no longer be called The queen of kingdoms… Yet you said, ‘I will be a queen forever.’ These things did not come into your mind, Nor did you consider their outcome. Now, then, hear this, you sensual one, Who dwells securely, Who says in your heart, ’I am, and there is no one besides me… Both of these will come on you suddenly in one day: Loss of children and widowhood. They will come on you in full measure In spite of your many sorceries, In spite of the great power of your spells… But evil will come on you Which you will not know how to charm away; And disaster will fall on you For which you cannot atone; And destruction about which you do not know Will come on you suddenly.”

ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Claims to be eternal - “I will be queen forever” (47:7)

Claims deity - “I am, and there is no one besides me” (47:8)

Sorceries and spells - occult practices (47:9, 12)

False security - “dwells securely” (47:8)

Sudden destruction in ONE DAY (47:9, 11)

Cannot prevent or atone for judgment (47:11)

JEREMIAH’S PROPHECIES AGAINST BABYLON

Jeremiah 50-51 - Two Entire Chapters on Babylon’s Judgment

Jeremiah 50:2

“Declare and proclaim among the nations. Proclaim it and lift up a standard. Do not conceal it but say, ‘Babylon has been captured… her images have been put to shame, her idols have been shattered.’”

Jeremiah 50:6-7

“My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray. They have made them turn aside on the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill And have forgotten their resting place. All who came upon them have devoured them; And their adversaries have said, ‘We are not guilty, Inasmuch as they have sinned against the LORD who is the habitation of righteousness, Even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.’”

Jeremiah 50:8-9

“’Wander away from the midst of Babylon And go forth from the land of the Chaldeans; Be also like male goats at the head of the flock. For behold, I am going to arouse and bring up against Babylon A horde of great nations from the land of the north’”

Jeremiah 50:15, 23-24, 29, 31-32

“Her foundations have fallen, Her walls have been torn down… How the hammer of the whole earth Has been cut off and broken! How Babylon has become An object of horror among the nations! I set a snare for you and you were also caught, O Babylon, While you yourself were not aware… Repay her according to her work; According to all that she has done, so do to her; For she has become arrogant against the LORD… ‘Behold, I am against you, O arrogant one,’ Declares the Lord GOD of hosts, ‘For your day has come, The time when I will punish you. The arrogant one will stumble and fall With no one to raise him up; And I will set fire to his cities And it will devour all his environs.’”

Jeremiah 51:6-9

“Flee from the midst of Babylon, And each of you save his life! Do not be destroyed in her punishment, For this is the LORD’s time of vengeance; He is going to render recompense to her… We applied healing to Babylon, but she was not healed; Forsake her and let us each go to his own country, For her judgment has reached to heaven And towers up to the very skies.”

Jeremiah 51:13, 45, 53, 55-58

“O you who dwell by many waters, Abundant in treasures, Your end has come… ’Come forth from her midst, My people, And each of you save yourselves From the fierce anger of the LORD… Though Babylon should ascend to the heavens, And though she should fortify her lofty stronghold, From Me destroyers will come to her,’ declares the LORD… For the LORD is going to destroy Babylon, And He will make her loud noise vanish from her. And their waves will roar like many waters… Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘The broad wall of Babylon will be completely razed And her high gates will be set on fire… So they will toil for nothing, And the nations will become exhausted only for fire.’”

BABYLON’S CHARACTERISTICS (Jeremiah):

Led God’s people astray - false shepherds (50:6)

Devours God’s people (50:7)

God calls His people OUT - multiple times (50:8; 51:6, 45)

Hammer of the whole earth - military/economic dominance (50:23)

Arrogant against the LORD (50:29, 31-32)

Will not be healed - judgment is final (51:9)

Dwells by many waters - rivers, seas, trade (51:13)

Abundant in treasures - wealthy (51:13)

Broad walls - fortified, seemingly impregnable (51:58)

High gates - impressive, powerful (51:58)

Judgment reaches to heaven (51:9)

Fierce anger of the LORD upon her (51:45)

Sudden destruction - “in one hour” theme begins

EZEKIEL’S WITNESS AGAINST BABYLON

Ezekiel 26-28 - Judgment on Tyre (Sister City to Babylon)

While Ezekiel doesn’t dedicate chapters specifically to Babylon like Jeremiah, he prophesies against Tyre (Phoenicia), which exhibits the same Babylonian characteristics:

Ezekiel 27:3, 25-27

“O Tyre, you have said, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’… The ships of Tarshish were the carriers for your merchandise. And you were filled and were very glorious In the heart of the seas. Your rowers have brought you Into great waters; The east wind has broken you In the heart of the seas. Your wealth, your wares, your merchandise, Your sailors and your pilots, Your repairers of seams, your dealers in merchandise And all your men of war who are in you, With all your company that is in your midst, Will fall into the heart of the seas On the day of your overthrow.”

Ezekiel 28:2-5, 16-17 (King of Tyre - Satan)

“Because your heart is lifted up And you have said, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of gods In the heart of the seas’; Yet you are a man and not God, Although you make your heart like the heart of God— Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; There is no secret that is a match for you. By your wisdom and understanding You have acquired riches for yourself And have acquired gold and silver for your treasuries. By your great wisdom, by your trade You have increased your riches And your heart is lifted up because of your riches… By the abundance of your trade You were internally filled with violence, And you sinned; Therefore I have cast you as profane From the mountain of God… Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor.”

BABYLON CHARACTERISTICS (from Tyre parallel):

Claims perfection (27:3)

Maritime/trade power - “ships,” “heart of the seas” (27:25-27)

Claims deity - “I am a god” (28:2)

Great wisdom corrupted (28:5, 17)

Violence through trade (28:16)

Pride from beauty and riches (28:17)

DANIEL’S REVELATION OF BABYLON

Daniel 2:31-45 - Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

The statue with head of gold (Babylon), chest of silver (Medo-Persia), belly of bronze (Greece), legs of iron (Rome), feet of iron/clay (final kingdom)

Daniel 2:44

“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”

Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride and Judgment

Daniel 4:30

“The king reflected and said, ‘Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’”

Daniel 4:31-33

“While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you, and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field… until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.’ Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled; and he was driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle”

Daniel 5 - Belshazzar’s Feast and the Handwriting on the Wall

Daniel 5:22-23

“Yet you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this, but you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines have been drinking wine from them; and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which do not see, hear or understand. But the God in whose hand are your life-breath and all your ways, you have not glorified.”

Daniel 5:25-28

“Now this is the inscription that was written out: ‘MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.’ This is the interpretation: MENE—God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it. TEKEL—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. PERES—your kingdom has been divided”

Daniel 5:30

“That same night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was slain.”

BABYLON CHARACTERISTICS (Daniel):

Self-built glory - “I myself have built” (4:30)

For human glory - “glory of MY majesty” (4:30)

Does not recognize God’s sovereignty (4:32)

Exalts self against God (5:23)

Idolatry - worships created things (5:23)

Does not glorify God (5:23)

Will be weighed and found deficient (5:27)

Judgment comes SUDDENLY - “that same night” (5:30)

All kingdoms end; only God’s kingdom endures (2:44)

HOSEA, MICAH, AND OTHER PROPHETS

Micah 4:10

“Writhe and labor to give birth, Daughter of Zion, Like a woman in childbirth; For now you will go out of the city, Dwell in the field, And go to Babylon. There you will be rescued; There the LORD will redeem you From the hand of your enemies.”

Note: God’s people went TO Babylon for a time, but were redeemed FROM it

Hosea 10:1

“Israel is a luxuriant vine; He produces fruit for himself. The more his fruit, The more altars he made; The richer his land, The better he made the sacred pillars.”

Pattern: Prosperity leading to idolatry (Babylonian pattern)

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PART 3: BABYLON IN REVELATION

Revelation 17 - The Harlot Babylon

Revelation 17:1-6

“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, ‘Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality.’ And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality, and on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, ‘BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.’ And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.”

Revelation 17:15, 18

“And he said to me, ‘The waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues… The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.’”

BABYLON IN REVELATION (Chapter 17):

Sits on many waters - rules over many peoples/nations (17:1, 15)

Harlot/prostitute - spiritual adultery (17:1)

Kings commit immorality with her - political alliances (17:2)

Makes earth’s inhabitants drunk - deception (17:2)

Clothed in purple and scarlet - royalty and luxury (17:4)

Adorned with wealth - gold, precious stones, pearls (17:4)

Cup of abominations - offers evil as good (17:4)

Mother of harlots - source of all false systems (17:5)

Drunk with blood of saints - persecutes believers (17:6)

Reigns over kings - global dominance (17:18)

A CITY - not just a system, but an actual city (17:18)

Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon

Revelation 18:1-3

“After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined with his glory. And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird. For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality.’”

Revelation 18:4-8

“I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ’Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Pay her back even as she has paid, and give back to her double according to her deeds; in the cup which she has mixed, mix twice as much for her. To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, “I SIT AS A QUEEN AND I AM NOT A WIDOW, and will never see mourning.” For this reason in one day her plagues will come, pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her is strong.’”

Revelation 18:9-19 (Kings, merchants, and shipmasters mourn)

“And the kings of the earth, who committed acts of immorality and lived sensuously with her, will weep and lament over her when they see the smoke of her burning… and the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargoes any more—cargoes of gold and silver and precious stones and pearls… And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance, and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What city is like the great city?’”

Revelation 18:20-24

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her… Then a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, ‘So will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer… and in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints and of all who have been slain on the earth.’”

BABYLON CHARACTERISTICS (Revelation 18):

Dwelling of demons (18:2)

Prison of unclean spirits (18:2)

All nations drunk with her immorality (18:3)

Merchants rich from her - economic dominance (18:3, 15)

Lived in luxury and sensuality (18:7)

Claims: “I sit as queen, not a widow” - false security (18:7)

Says: “will never see mourning” - denies judgment (18:7)

Destroyed IN ONE DAY - sudden (18:8)

Burned with fire (18:8, 9, 18)

Major seaport/trade center - shipmasters mourn (18:17-19)

Luxurious cargoes - gold, silver, pearls, fine linen, etc. (18:12-13)

Even sold “slaves and human lives” (18:13)

Music and craftsmen silenced - cultural center (18:22)

Light of lamp will not shine - total darkness (18:23)

Voice of bride and groom not heard - no life (18:23)

Merchants were great men - business elite (18:23)

Sorcery deceived all nations (18:23)

Guilty of ALL blood shed on earth (18:24)

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PART 4: THE COMPREHENSIVE PROFILE OF BABYLON

SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Rebellion against God
Self-righteousness (Cain’s way)
Independence from God
Pride and arrogance
Claims deity (“I am”)
Claims eternity (“I will be queen forever”)
Idolatry
Does not glorify God
Spiritual adultery (harlotry)
Mother of all false systems
Sorcery and occult practices
Dwelling place of demons

ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS:

Abundant in treasures
Maritime/trade dominance
Merchants become rich
Great wealth (gold, silver, pearls)
Luxury and sensuality
All nations buy from her
Economic collapse when she falls
Trades in human lives (slavery)
Great business elite

POLITICAL/MILITARY CHARACTERISTICS:

Reigns over kings of the earth
Kings commit immorality with her
Hammer of the whole earth
Weakens nations
Violence through trade
Self-built glory (“I myself have built”)
Global dominance
Sits on many waters (peoples/nations)

CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Claims perfection in beauty
Music and arts flourish
Craftsmen active
Light and celebration
Marriages and life
Cultural center

GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

A literal CITY
Dwells by many waters
Major seaport
Broad walls
High gates

RELATIONSHIP TO GOD’S PEOPLE:

Led God’s people astray
Devours God’s people
Drunk with blood of saints
Persecutes witnesses of Jesus
Has blood of prophets and saints
Guilty of all blood on earth

JUDGMENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Sudden destruction
In ONE DAY/ONE HOUR
Burned with fire
Cannot be healed
Will not be rebuilt
Like Sodom and Gomorrah
Weighed and found deficient
God’s fierce anger
Cannot atone or prevent judgment
Total annihilation

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PART 5: “COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE”

The Biblical Call to Separation

Revelation 18:4-5

“I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.’”

Jeremiah 51:6, 9, 45

“Flee from the midst of Babylon, And each of you save his life! Do not be destroyed in her punishment, For this is the LORD’s time of vengeance… Forsake her and let us each go to his own country… ’Come forth from her midst, My people, And each of you save yourselves From the fierce anger of the LORD.’”

Jeremiah 50:8

“‘Wander away from the midst of Babylon And go forth from the land of the Chaldeans; Be also like male goats at the head of the flock.’”

Isaiah 48:20

“Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! Declare with the sound of joyful shouting, proclaim this, Send it out to the end of the earth; Say, ‘The LORD has redeemed His servant Jacob.’”

Isaiah 52:11

“Depart, depart, go out from there, Touch nothing unclean; Go out of the midst of her, purify yourselves, You who carry the vessels of the LORD.”

2 Corinthians 6:14-17

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?… Therefore, ‘COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,’ says the Lord. ‘AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.’”

What Does “Come Out” Mean?

SPIRITUAL SEPARATION:

James 4:4

“You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

1 John 2:15-17

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

Romans 12:2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”

PRACTICAL SEPARATION:

2 Timothy 3:1-5

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come… holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.”

Ephesians 5:11

“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them”

1 Thessalonians 5:22

“abstain from every form of evil”

THE CALL INCLUDES:

Do not participate in her sins (Revelation 18:4)

Save your life (Jeremiah 51:6)

Flee/Wander away (Jeremiah 50:8; 51:6)

Go out from the midst (Isaiah 52:11)

Touch nothing unclean (Isaiah 52:11)

Purify yourselves (Isaiah 52:11)

Be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Do not love the world (1 John 2:15)

Do not be conformed (Romans 12:2)

Expose deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)

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PART 6: CONSEQUENCES OF STAYING IN BABYLON

Direct Consequences Stated in Scripture

Revelation 18:4

“Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues”

TWO CONSEQUENCES:

Participation in her sins
Receiving her plagues

The Plagues of Babylon

Revelation 18:8

“For this reason in one day her plagues will come, pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire”

Isaiah 47:9, 11

“But both of these will come on you suddenly in one day: Loss of children and widowhood… But evil will come on you Which you will not know how to charm away; And disaster will fall on you For which you cannot atone; And destruction about which you do not know Will come on you suddenly.”

Jeremiah 51:6

“Flee from the midst of Babylon, And each of you save his life! Do not be destroyed in her punishment”

THE PLAGUES:

- Pestilence
- Mourning
- Famine
- Fire/burning
- Loss of children
- Widowhood
- Disaster
- Destruction
- Death

Spiritual Consequences

Revelation 18:4

“so that you will not participate in her sins”

PARTICIPATING IN HER SINS MEANS:

- Being drunk with her immorality (17:2)
- Committing spiritual adultery
- Idolatry
- Violence
- Oppression
- Persecution of saints
- Loving luxury over God
- Trusting in wealth
- Self-glorification
- Pride and arrogance

Numbers 16:26 (Korah’s rebellion - a type of Babylon)

“and he spoke to the congregation, saying, ‘Depart now from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing that belongs to them, or you will be swept away in all their sin.’”

SPIRITUAL DEATH:

Revelation 3:1 (To the dead church)

“I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”

Matthew 8:22

“But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.’”

Eternal Consequences

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven… Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’”

Revelation 21:8

“But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Revelation 22:14-15

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.”

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PART 7: EXAMINING THE MODERN APPLICATION

The Question: Could Modern America (NYC/DC) Be Mystery Babylon?

METHODOLOGY: Let Scripture speak - compare the 70+ characteristics to any modern entity

Characteristics That Could Apply to Modern America:

ECONOMIC:
Abundant in treasures
Global economic dominance
Merchants become rich
Maritime/trade power (major ports)
Luxury and sensuality
All nations buy from her
Great business elite
Cargoes of gold, silver, precious items

POLITICAL/MILITARY:
Reigns over/influences kings of earth
Political alliances with kings
“Hammer of the whole earth” (military dominance)
Global presence
Sits on many waters (influences many peoples)

GEOGRAPHICAL:
Major seaports (NYC)
Dwells by many waters
A literal city/cities

CULTURAL:
Music and arts center (NYC)
Cultural dominance globally
Exports entertainment/culture worldwide

SPIRITUAL:
Pride and arrogance
“We are exceptional”
False sense of security
Increasing occult practices
Persecution of Christians (growing)
Sexual immorality exported globally
Idolatry (money, power, self)
Does not glorify God nationally

JUDGMENT DESCRIPTIONS:
Sudden destruction in one day/hour (possible)
Burned with fire (nuclear possibility)
Cannot be healed afterward
Shipmasters and merchants mourn

Characteristics That Could Apply to MAGA or American Political Systems:

SELF-GLORIFICATION:
“Make America Great” - self-built glory
Pride in national achievement
“I myself have built” mentality

ARROGANCE:
Claims of exceptionalism
“America First” without God first

RELIANCE ON HUMAN SYSTEMS:
Trust in political solutions
Faith in human governance
Self-preservation and self-protection

PERSECUTION:
Growing hostility to true Christianity
Drunk with blood (historically: abortion, war)

1. Critical Questions Scripture Raises:

Does the entity claim deity or god-like status?

- America: Some elements (American exceptionalism as quasi-religious)

2. Is it a dwelling place of demons?

- Scripture will reveal this spiritually

3. Is it the economic center that, if destroyed, collapses world economy?

- NYSE, dollar as reserve currency - possibly

4. Is it a major seaport city?

- NYC certainly qualifies

5. Do merchants and kings mourn its destruction?

- Would they mourn America’s fall? Likely yes

6. Is it drunk with the blood of saints?

- Historical: Some (abortion, exported immorality, persecution starting)
- But not yet at the level of Rome or other historic persecutors

7. Do all nations drink of her immorality?

- American culture (Hollywood, pornography, values) exported globally - YES

What Scripture Does NOT Allow Us To Do:

WE MUST NOT:

Force the text to fit current events
Set dates for judgment
Claim certainty where Scripture is unclear
Use prophecy to justify political positions
Forget that God’s judgments are His alone

WE MUST:

Let Scripture interpret Scripture
Watch and be alert
Be ready to obey “Come out” if/when revealed
Live as pilgrims regardless of Babylon’s identity
Trust God’s timing and revelation

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PART 8: LIVING AS EXILES - REGARDLESS OF BABYLON’S IDENTITY

We Are Already Called To Live As Strangers

1 Peter 2:11-12

“Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles”

Philippians 3:20

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”

Hebrews 11:13-16

“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth… But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.”

Hebrews 13:14

“For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.”

The Posture of God’s People in Babylon

Jeremiah 29:4-7 (To exiles IN Babylon)

“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, ‘Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters… Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.’”

BUT ALSO:

Jeremiah 29:11-13

“For I know the plans that I have for you… plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

THE BALANCE:

- Live in the world (plant, build, work)
- But not OF the world (don’t love it)
- Pray for the city (love people)
- But long for God’s city (our true home)
- Be salt and light (influence for good)
- But stay pure (don’t participate in sin)

Practical Application: Coming Out While Still Here

WHAT “COMING OUT” LOOKS LIKE NOW:

1. SPIRITUAL SEPARATION:

- Do not love the world (1 John 2:15)
- Do not be conformed to it (Romans 12:2)
- Do not trust in human systems (Psalm 146:3)
- Do not participate in unfruitful deeds (Ephesians 5:11)
- Place NO faith in self or human governance
- Trust GOD ALONE for salvation

2. SETTING AFFECTIONS ABOVE:

- Seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33)
- Set minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2)
- Treasure in heaven, not earth (Matthew 6:19-21)
- Eagerly await Christ’s return (Philippians 3:20)
- Long for His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)

3. LIVING AS LIGHT:

- Be witnesses to absolute goodness of God
- Display Christ’s love and truth
- Call others to repentance
- Share the Gospel
- Live holy lives

4. BEING ALERT:

- Watch for His return (Mark 13:37)
- Recognize the season (Matthew 24:32-33)
- Be sober and alert (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
- Do not be caught unaware (Luke 21:34)

5. ACTUAL SEPARATION IF/WHEN CALLED:

- Be ready to physically leave if God makes it clear
- Do not be bound to possessions (Luke 14:33)
- Hold loosely to this world
- Obey when the call comes

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CONCLUSION: STANDING IN TRUTH

What We Can Know With Certainty:

1. BABYLON IS REAL

- It began at Babel
- It has existed throughout history
- It will exist in final form before Christ returns
- It will be judged suddenly and completely

2. BABYLON HAS CLEAR CHARACTERISTICS

- 70+ specific traits in Scripture
- Economic, political, spiritual, geographical
- Pride, self-glory, independence from God
- Persecution of saints
- Global dominance
- Sudden destruction

3. WE ARE CALLED TO COME OUT

- Spiritually: Do not love the world
- Practically: Do not participate in sin
- Physically: Be ready to flee if/when revealed
- Eternally: Our citizenship is in heaven

4. CONSEQUENCES ARE SEVERE

- Participating in her sins
- Receiving her plagues
- Spiritual death
- Eternal judgment

5. WE MUST LIVE AS EXILES

- Regardless of Babylon’s current identity
- Not loving this world
- Eagerly awaiting Christ
- Trusting NO human system
- Placing faith in Christ ALONE

What We Should NOT Claim:

1. ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY of current identity

- While America/NYC/DC have many characteristics
- We must let God reveal in His timing
- We watch, we discern, but we don’t force conclusions

2. THE RIGHT TO JUDGE

- Judgment belongs to God alone
- We proclaim truth, God executes judgment

3. POLITICAL ALLEGIANCE as our hope

- MAGA, or any political movement, is NOT our savior
- Christ alone is our hope
- All human systems are fallen

The Call Right Now:

COME OUT OF BABYLON means:

TODAY:

- Place NO faith in self or human systems
- Trust Christ ALONE
- Do not love this world
- Set your affection on things above
- Live holy, separate lives
- Be ready for His return
- Cry out: “COME, LORD JESUS!”
- Watch and pray
- Be salt and light while we remain
- Hold loosely to everything here

WHEN JUDGMENT COMES:

- Obey immediately if physically called out
- Do not look back (Lot’s wife)
- Save your life
- Trust God’s timing and provision

Final Word:

Whether modern America/NYC/DC is Mystery Babylon or not, the call remains the same:

“COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE”

This is a call to:

- Spiritual separation from worldly systems NOW

- Ready obedience to physical departure IF/WHEN called

- Total trust in Christ alone

- Eager expectation of His return

- No faith in self or human governance

- Complete surrender to King Jesus

The Bride must cry out: “COME, LORD JESUS, COME!”

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